Netflix has confirmed that the fifth season of Bridgerton will focus on Francesca Bridgerton and Michaela Stirling, marking a new chapter for the period romance created by Shonda Rhimes.
Bridgerton Season 5 starts filming
The streaming platform unveiled a first-look teaser on Tuesday and announced that production on the eight-episode season has begun in the UK. The series, based on Julia Quinn’s novels, follows the romantic lives of the eight Bridgerton siblings.
The news was shared with the caption, “Members of the ton rejoice! For Bridgerton Season 5 is officially underway (sic).”
According to Netflix, the new season will centre on Francesca, played by Hannah Dodd, who is described as reserved and often feeling out of place. Two years after the loss of her husband John, she decides to return to the marriage mart for practical reasons.
However, her plans are complicated when John’s cousin Michaela Stirling, played by Masali Baduza, returns to London to manage the Kilmartin estate. Michaela is presented as outwardly charming and lively, but also emotionally guarded. As the two reconnect, Francesca is forced to reconsider her intentions and confront her feelings.
Netflix said the season will explore Francesca’s internal conflict between duty and desire, while Michaela must come to terms with her own vulnerability and her connection to both Francesca and her late cousin’s legacy.
A video montage of both Francesca and Michaela was also released by Netflix with the caption, “Do not fret, dearest readers, for a certain countess shall find love again… Bridgerton Season 5 is now in production (sic).”
The upcoming instalment follows Season 4, which focused on Benedict Bridgerton, played by Luke Thompson, and Sophie Baek, portrayed by Yerin Ha.
Earlier seasons have each centred on a different sibling. Season 3 starred Luke Newton as Colin Bridgerton and Nicola Coughlan as Penelope Featherington. Season 2 followed Jonathan Bailey as Anthony Bridgerton and Simone Ashley as Kate Sharma, while the first season introduced Phoebe Dynevor as Daphne Bridgerton alongside Regé-Jean Page as Simon Basset.
With production now underway, further details about the release date for Season 5 are expected to be announced at a later stage.
